Rhodohypoxis deflexa

Dwarf Rosy Posy Rhodohypoxidaceae

One of the smallest and most charming members of a genus that rarely troubles the tape measure. Rhodohypoxis deflexa is a diminutive South African species from the high Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, where it grows in marshy alpine turf at around 2,700–3,250m. 

At scarcely 5cm tall, its spreading, slightly hairy leaves hug the ground, while tiny pink to white starry flowers, no more than about 1.5cm across, appear from late spring into summer. The specific name deflexa refers to the downward-bending fruiting stalks, which eventually place the capsules almost on the ground—a rather ingenious way for such a tiny plant to sow itself. 

This is a plant for the alpine house, trough or carefully constructed rock garden, appreciating acid to neutral, humus-rich soil that remains moist in summer but drains freely in winter. It dislikes competition from larger neighbours, which is hardly surprising when you are only a few centimetres tall.

Height: 2–5cm | Spread: 10–15cm
Flowering: May–August | Foliage: Deciduous
Hardiness: H5 (-15 to -10°C) If kept dry